The Moon is in the Seventh House

Love Birds Bill and Coo nearly half century

This is the Dawning of the Age of Auspiciousness: As you read this, sit back, relax, mellow out, and remember the days of innocence. The 1960s and 70s found the children of “The Greatest Generation” growing up and finding that the world was, like, too square, man. Daddeo was a vet and not hip to the jive at all. Our parents generation’s music was like so yesterday. So we invented our own music, culture, and manner of speaking. One of the singing groups that was part and parcel of those days – after the Big Band Era but before Punk Rock – was the 5th Dimension. Some of their music was whimsical, such as “Up, Up, and Away,” and “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In.” Others had a message of equality such as “Stone Soul Picnic.” And there were even tongue-in-cheek songs such as “Wedding Bell Blues.” The harmonies of their songs made The 5th Dimension stand out from other groups of the era.

A Dimension of Love: Even as the group sang about love – sometimes unrequited as in “One Less Bell to Answer,” love blossomed between two of the main singers in the group. Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. fell in love on set (get it now? Bill and Coo?), married, and continued their love affair with each other and music for nearly a half century. They left the group after a decade but continued making music. Together, as artists, performers, and authors, they’ve earned 7 Grammy Awards, 15 Gold and 3 Platinum records, enjoyed starring roles on TV and cinema, and toured the world performing to sold out audiences everywhere.

How About a Reunion Tour: With the death of Ron Townson and the retirement of Lamonte McLemore, a 5th Dimension Reunion Tour was simply not to be. But Davis and McCoo, stars in their own right with hits including “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To be in My Show),” a mega hit as a single that earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal By a Duo or Group. Besides making sweet music together they had individual achievements. Marilyn hosted a TV show for five years, and appeared on Broadway. Billy recorded an album of religious songs with gospel great Rev. James Cleveland, as well as performing starring roles in musical hits including Dreamgirls.

Why I Love Living in Vegas: One of the perks of living in Vegas is that nearly every performer I’ve ever dreamed of seeing has come to town. This weekend Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. will perform on tour at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino as part of their “40th Anniversary Celebration Show.” Their engagement is limited to the weekend of August 29-31.

Billy and Marilyn are not only outstanding performers, they are lovebirds who have stayed together for four decades. That fact alone should put them in the Hollywood Hall of Fame. Their love affair might not make the Guinness Book of Records, but it has made into a book, “Up, Up and Away; How We Found Love, Faith, and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World.” The critically acclaimed book was authored by the singing lovebirds.

When you plan your Labor Day weekend, be sure to include a wholesome musical treat. To order tickets go to www.suncoastcasino.com or call the Suncoast at 877.677.7111 (or locally 702.636.7111).

A little blogging music Maestro... “When the moon is in the seventh house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars. And Peace will guide the planets, and love will fill the air...” by You Know Who.

Dr. Forgot
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